Feb 2012 Issue 45

desthe magazine for defenceider equipment and support

The Lynx effect

Latest DE&S organisation wallchart See inside

Fuelling the Armour proves MOD on A clearer Daring heads front line its worth Olympic alert way forward east of Suez 2 frontispiece

MOD faces Olympic-size task

The MOD will provide up to 13,500 people and a host of assets to help security at this summer's Olympic Games. This will include 5,000 personnel to support the and other civil authorities, with specialist capabilities including explosive ordnance disposal teams, military working dogs and Royal support to maritime policing, as well as a 1,000-strong unarmed contingency force for deployment in the event of an Olympics-related civil emergency. There will be 1,000 personnel to provide logistics support, 3,500, rising to a peak of 7,500, to provide venue security, and a number to take part in ceremonial events. Military assets will also be deployed, including: • HMS Ocean berthed in the Thames at Greenwich, providing logistics support, accommodation and a landing site; • HMS Bulwark, in Weymouth Bay, providing maritime command and control, accommodation, helicopter and small boat basing and logistics supply; • Typhoon jets stationed temporarily at RAF Northolt in London and , likely to be Puma and Lynx, operating from HMS Ocean to support airspace security; • Appropriate ground-based air defence capabilities also to support the airspace security effort.

Right: An RAF Puma is pictured on a training flight over the Olympic site last summer

n Defence Secretary puts MOD on Olympic alert: page 13 des Steve Moore [email protected] [email protected] Ralph Dunn [email protected] Dick Naughton © Crown Copyright desider [email protected] 7155 7379 (0)207 +44 Fax: 1819. 7657 (0)20 Tel: +44 1NU WC1A London Holborn, High Street, Anthon Linton Advertising Distribution Manager: Editor: Deputy H Assistant expressed in in expressed Views omissions. or errors for accepted be can liability no accurate, is produced material all ensure to care inthose the While editor the takes defence industries. including MOD, the outside readers to available made be sponsor. and the can also equipment Copies capability relevant MOD project team before publication. before team project MOD relevant the by cleared be must advertorials for content All MOD. the or DE&S by endorsed necessarily not are advertised, Printing: Printing: from well-managed forests. Stewardship Councilcertified material post consumer waste andForest cent recycled andde-inked pulpfrom Silk 90gsmwhichcontains 50per This magazineisproduced onCocoon FEATURES 24 22 20 17 is distributed free of charge to DE&S employees employees DE&S to charge of free distributed is

Collective defence istheonly wayforward Getting you homeinacrisis Materiel Strategy moves forward The Lynx effect Air Corpsfrom AgustaWestland accepted thelast Lynx 9Ahelicopter onbehalfoftheArmy Joint Helicopter Command,BrigadierJamesIllingworth, has The HeadofArmyAviation andDeputyCommanderofthe States Philip Hammondinhisfirst majorspeechintheUnited long-term sustainable position,saysDefence Secretary dimension andcollective defence istheonly rational and A seriesofdiverse andevolving threats now have aglobal heart ofAbbey Wood responsibility ofDE&S'Compassionate Cell,deepinthe anywhere intheworld whentheirfamilies needthemisthe Getting servicemen, women andcivilservants homefrom Defence Secretary PhilipHammondfor hisconsideration report onoptionsfor thefuture ofDE&Shave goneto the in atown hallsession thatasubmission andaccompanying Hundreds ofDE&Scivilianandmilitary staff have beentold - 9352 30257 or 0117 9130257 0117 or 9130257 30257 -9352 - 9352 30537 or 0117 9130537 0117 or 9130537 30537 -9352 desider, – Ten Alps Publishing, 1 New Oxford Oxford 1New Publishing, –Ten Alps ider - 9352 34342 or 0117 9134342 0117 or 9134342 34342 -9352 ead, Public Relations: Relations: Public ead, :

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28 14 12 11 9 8 7 5 NEWS

Wild aboutWildcat Niteworks passes century Lessons learned infrigate upgrade Swordfish backintheskies DE&S unlocks windenergy potential Daring headsouteast ofSuez More Foxhounds onorder operational deployment last month for anupgrade, usingknowledge gainedfrom its 100thmember, Rockwell CollinsUK the MODandUKdefence industry, hassignedup Niteworks, thecollaborative partnership between Portland HMS review is backintheskiesafter awide-ranging safety A DE&Steam-supported Royal Navyhistoric aircraft in Afghanistan troops to delivered been have line front the on Forces to air by fuel transport to balls' 'beach Giant Great ballsoffire! during three daysoftrialsonaType 23frigate has received abigthumbs-upfrom oneofitspilots Wildcat, theRoyal Navy'snext generation helicopter, ofenergy amounts potentiallarge renewable unlock will which farm-friendly wind new fund to developers for adeal agreed has MOD The of manyas DE&S' HeadofDestroyers haspraised thework tovehicles 300 patrol protected light newest services' the of total the take to ordered be will Foxhounds 100 Another Kent's

upgrade last year HMS Daring HMS delivered upgrade programme. programme. upgrade delivered arapidly following Corps Air Army the to over handed was helicopters Mk9A Lynx 22 of last the where plant Yeovil AgustaWestland’s at 9A pictured is A Lynx isthelatest to enter Rosyth cover image 17-19

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Picture: Andrew Linnett Insider february 2012 Bernard Gray

Chief of Defence Materiel Another 100 Foxhounds are on the way

‘My goal is that we move Another 100 Foxhound patrol vehicles forward together as a will be ordered to take the total set for team with the goodwill, front line Armed Forces to 300. The newest light protected patrol understanding and vehicle is regarded as the cutting edge commitment of you, the of patrol vehicle technology. Its v-shaped hull is designed to provide unprecedented workforce’ levels of blast protection for its size and weight. Foxhound was unveiled by DE&S’ Combat Wheels Group at Abbey Wood more than a year ago and the first of As those who attended my acquisition, they are certainly the initial 200 vehicles, built by Force town hall sessions in early no secret, but we need to set Protection Europe, are currently being January will already be aware the ball rolling and overcome delivered for military training. These the Secretary of State for organisational inertia if we should be deployed to Afghanistan later Defence, Philip Hammond, want to reap the benefits. The this year. was sent the Materiel Strategy Defence Board is investing News of the extra vehicles forms part submission, immediately prior considerable time and effort of a £400 million package of protected vehicles and Counter-Improvised to Christmas. The document in trying to deliver a balanced Explosive Device (C-IED) technology to set out the problem we face and programme for the next decade further improve the protection of British proposed a range of potential and I think significant progress Forces in Afghanistan. options for the future operating has been made. Success in IEDs are the single greatest threat model for Defence Equipment this endeavour will make a to UK forces in Afghanistan. Improving and Support. We now await a significant difference to you all the protection of personnel on the front decision before we can move allowing more time to be spent line is the military’s priority, and these onto the next stage but, as I on delivering the programme investments mark another major step said last month, it will be a rather than in iterative re- forward in the battle against the Taliban. significant prize for the country costing and re-profiling. But This announcement includes more than £200 million of advanced C-IED and for defence if we get this this is the first step - we will technology, giving British Forces a major right. There are considerable need to bear down on excessive boost in the battle against the insurgency. savings to be made if we can specification and budgetary Defence Secretary Philip Hammond claw back the sizeable frictional changes that impede project said: “Protecting our forces from IEDs is costs that are an endemic and programme delivery and our most urgent challenge. problem in the current model address proactively the gaps “Foxhound is designed, developed and and reinvest the dividend in between the skills we have built in the UK and this announcement equipment. now in the workforce and those demonstrates the Government’s I know that a great many of that are needed in future to commitment to providing our troops with you have contributed to the work drive excellence throughout the world-class protective equipment. “The vehicle will provide our Armed that has taken place thus far. I organisation and in acquisition Forces with a highly protected and am very grateful for your input more broadly. agile vehicle, and its manufacture in at all levels and I know The In the meantime DE&S this country will create and sustain jobs Materiel Strategy team shares is continuing to do its very across the UK. my view. It is only with hard demanding day job – equipping “The C-IED package is another major facts that the problem can be and supporting the UK’s Armed step forward in the battle against the properly bounded and solutions Forces for operations. I was bombers, using cutting edge technology found. I urge you to continue the pleased to see a number of to defeat their evil campaign and protect engagements you have been positive news stories in the our troops.” having with the team. I will papers over the past few weeks, Foxhound's size and agility allows troops to carry out a wide range of also be taking the opportunity notably the new air-portable tasks in environments that may restrict to speak to as many of you as I fuel containers delivered into larger, heavier vehicles. It is ideal for the can through the programme of theatre and the Christmas food partnering and mentoring role required town hall sessions and update stocks delivered to Afghanistan, for transition in Afghanistan, being able you on progress. I encourage all both managed by DE&S teams. to access urban areas with increased of you to come to listen and put Finally, I was very pleased protection. your questions directly to me or to see that current and The vehicle incorporates technology indeed make use of the other former DE&S personnel were from a range of areas, including from non- communications channels, such recognised in the New Year traditional defence sources such as the as regular open forums that are Honours at every level in the UK’s world-leading motorsport industry, drawing a significant number of small and open to you. organisation from the Board medium-sized enterprises from across the We know the areas in which to project teams. I would country into the supply chain. we need to focus effort to like to extend my personal Its engine can be removed and replaced improve both DE&S and defence congratulations to all of them. news 5 Another 100 Foxhounds are on the way

DE&S’ latest protected patrol vehicle already handed a vote of confidence

in just 30 minutes and it can drive away on only three wheels. The second tranche of around 100 will be subject to final contractual negotiations with Force Protection Europe (FPE). The vehicle was designed, developed and built in the UK by FPE and Ricardo plc, together with Team Ocelot partners Thales, QinetiQ, Formaplex, DSG and Sula. Construction of the vehicles will take place throughout the UK.

Multi-terrain performer: Foxhound going through its paces at Millbrook's proving ground in Bedfordshire, left, while, above, a digitally modified picture shows how it might perform in harsher front line conditions

Nato is way forward for defence, is the UK message Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has challenges faced by the North Atlantic The Defence Secretary described the reaffirmed Britain's view of the importance alliance as defence budgets across the debt crisis as the greatest strategic risk to of Nato during his first official visit to world continue to be affected by the the future security of both the UK and the Washington to meet his US counterpart, worldwide economic situation. US. Military power and economic power are, Secretary Leon Panetta. This was also a subject Mr Hammond he said, inseparable. Mr Hammond and Secretary Panetta focused on in an address to the Atlantic “The US defence review has shown discussed progress of the ongoing Nato Council think tank during his visit to that no-one is immune from the economic operation in Afghanistan, where British Washington. situation and that it is not just the UK that and American troops work alongside each He urged the alliance to beat worldwide has had to take some tough but necessary other training and mentoring Afghanistan's economic austerity by finding new ways of decisions in defence,” he said. security forces. working together and identifying greater Discussions took place on the future capability from resources that exist. o Philip Hammond on Nato: pages 24 and 25 6 news

Reaper - 2012

o Reaper (also known as Predator B or MQ9) is a medium Right: Air altitude, long Marshal endurance and armed Leeson remotely piloted inspects a aircraft system. It is Reaper aircraft being acquired as an nearing Urgent Operational the end of Requirement and integration, has provided full accompanied motion video to UK by GA- and coalition forces ASI Group in Afghanistan President Mr since October 2007. Frank Pace A Reaper system comprises several air vehicles, ground control stations, and communication links. The UK has five Reaper aircraft in DE&S all set to double service.

o The UK is acquiring, supporting and arming the Reaper system UK Reaper capability via Foreign Military Sales cases with the US Government. The UK’s Reaper system has of this year. It also includes Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, Prime contractor to now clocked up more than 30,000 establishment of the future UK DE&S Chief of Materiel (Air), has the US Government flying hours in Afghanistan – operating base for Reaper at RAF met key representatives from is General Atomics – as attention turns to the £135 Waddington to operate the new the US Air Force and General Aeronautical Systems Inc. Launch and million programme to deliver equipment. Atomics Aeronautical Systems recovery operations new Reapers to theatre. The coming 12 months Inc (GA-ASI) in the US. are carried out in The programme includes will be a busy time for DE&S’ At the company’s premises theatre by the USAF manufacture, acceptance and Unmanned Air Systems team in San Diego Sir Kevin saw with beyond line of delivery of five aircraft along with delivering the enhancement as the composite and integration sight missions flown associated ground equipment well as sustaining current Reaper facilities for Reaper aircraft and by the RAF from to the UK from the middle operations. ground stations. UK ground control stations based in the USA.

o To double the UK capability the UK is Smaller firms benefit from combat air cash acquiring five new The MOD has underlined its backing for science and Reaper aircraft from technology with a £40 million contract to ensure the the US Government. UK retains a leading edge in the next generation of A new squadron combat air systems. will also form at The four-year Future Combat Air System (FCAS) the future Reaper focused research contract with BAE Systems aims to operating base, RAF sustain and develop the UK’s critical technology and Waddington. skills in this field. It will inform the MOD’s unmanned air system o Although led by strategy over the coming decades to ensure that the DE&S’ Unmanned best use is made of these new technologies. Air Systems team Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and the programme is Technology, Peter Luff, said: “As part of our ongoing a collective effort investment, the MOD has and will continue to invest including Director in aerospace sector projects like this to ensure Information Systems that we develop and maintain the UK’s formidable and Services, strengths in this specialist field.” Director Weapons, An eye on the future: Currently, the majority of unmanned aircraft Defence Ordnance Hermes 450, above, flying are surveillance and reconnaissance in Safety Group, and and Desert Hawk, support of front-line troops, providing them with vital Defence Support below intelligence and helping to save lives in Afghanistan. Chain Operations and With the new contract, a significant amount Movements. of the funding is expected to go to UK small and medium-sized enterprises, widening the supplier o By the end of base and ensuring the MOD has access to the best last year the UK national and international technologies. Reaper system had Dr Nick Joad, who heads the Defence Science flown 30,465 hours and Technology Laboratory’s Air Domain, said: in Afghanistan “This is an important step in ensuring that the MOD and employed continues to develop its capabilities in this area and 260 weapons in exploit potentially game-changing technologies. meeting requests “We have worked hard with BAE Systems to for support ensure we have a high impact programme and look from ground forward to seeing the fruits of this investment of . both money and intellectual capital.” news 7

HMS Daring arrives off on 18 January

First Type 45 heads off on maiden Daring – now her operational deployment east of real work begins Suez

De&S’ head of has praised trialling her and training her to the point the work of the Type 45 community as where she is now one of the most highly HMS Daring set sail from advanced and powerful warships in the last month on her first operational world. They should be enormously proud deployment. of everything they have achieved. The first-of-class vessel headed “However, it is also important to for a seven-month stint east of Suez to recognise that events today mark a safeguard the sea lanes and work with beginning too, in the sense that it is only UK allies in the region. It is six years the start of the many real challenges that Above: supplies ready to be loaded onto HMS since she was launched on the Clyde. doubtless lie ahead for this magnificent Daring in Portsmouth On her day of departure ship in the years to come. Indeed, for her Stephen Braham said: “This is a and her crew it is only now that the real highly significant milestone, an end work begins. Guy Robertson as ‘staggeringly and a beginning; an end in that it is “I congratulate wholeheartedly all capable’ – takes over from frigate HMS the culmination of a vast amount of those who have strived for this day – and Argyll on a varied mission that includes dedicated teamwork and focused effort achieved it – and to wish Daring, and all counter-piracy. from across the whole of the Type 45 those who sail in her, every success in her She sailed with her 200-plus ship's community – DE&S, BAE Systems and endeavours.” company, her normal complement the – who have spent so The Portsmouth-based warship bolstered by a specialist many years and months building her, – hailed by her Commanding boarding team from the Fleet Protection Group. “We know that Daring is more capable than anything which has gone to sea before,” said navigator Lieutenant Will Blackett. “This ship was designed for anything – and is ready for anything.” Last year was largely dominated by training, trials and tweaks. The ship fired her Sea Viper – the missile system around which she is built – for the first time off Scotland in May. She was fitted with Phalanx automated guns over the summer, and Historic moment: HMS Daring slips out underwent two months of Portsmouth on the way to her first operational deployment of operational sea training in the autumn. 8 news

NEWSREEL DE&S and Atlas earn their reward for continued co-operation

Carrier costs DE&S’ Defence Information Infrastructure relationships to deliver greater innovation and steady Group has been recognised for the success of competitive advantage than could be achieved its collaborative work with its contractor Atlas. by operating independently. It improves cost Latest cost The group, which looks after the computer- management and use of resources, reduces risk estimates for the based information system used by MOD and increases business value. Queen Elizabeth staff and service personnel, is the first in the The DII Combined Operating Model class aircraft department to achieve BS11000 certification, a was set up to make the group and Atlas carrier programme remain at £5.2 recognition of commitment to such working. more agile, stay within budget and provide billion, Minister for Collaboration develops two-way stability to minimise disruption during any Defence Equipment, reorganisation. Support and Brigadier Certification will cover the life of the Technology Peter Phil Davies business relationship and is subject to annual Luff has confirmed. reviews. This figure is with the based on current certificate, Assessments were held last autumn. configuration of the flanked by Interviews with key members who manage the carriers and does Captain relationship with Atlas took place in December. not include costs, Kevin Wilson Worthy of particular praise was the currently estimated and Kevin group’s working environment, audit, joint O’Neill, both at £1 billion, of risk management and proactively deployed from the DII installing catapults communications process. and arrestor gear to Group enable it to operate the more capable carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, a decision which will be taken next year. DE&S deal unlocks Overall spending on the Carrier Strike Programme has been reduced by wind energy progress £4.4 billion over the next 10 years. The MOD has agreed a deal for developers to fund new wind Plant work A Lockheed farm-friendly radars. Martin TPS- The MOD is They will have the potential 7701 radar working with Rolls- to unlock more than four Royce on plans gigawatts (GW) of renewable to refurbish the energy, enough to power over nuclear reactor core plant two million homes. at Raynesway in A new air defence radar Derby over the that is not adversely affected period 2012 to 2022, by wind farms has been Minister for Defence installed and tested on the Equipment, Support Norfolk coast, releasing the and Technology Peter Luff has told potential development of 3.3GW Parliament. of renewable energy. Until recently, the MOD has objected Woodford sold to wind farms near radars due to the interference caused by the BAE Systems has turbine blades. sold its Woodford In an award-winning site in Cheshire to follow on deal, the MOD has Avro Heritage Ltd. ordered two more of the wind requirements and ultimately farm turbine blades. The project Avro has vowed farm-friendly radars, funded enabling the generation of was delivered on time, within to ensure that by developers, which will be more renewable energy. This is cost and meeting stringent Woodford’s proud association with the installed in Northumberland good news for all parties to this performance requirements. aviation industry and Yorkshire, unlocking a arrangement.” As a result, DES’ Cretheus is reflected in the further 750 megawatts (MW) of On behalf of the MOD, Serco project team was shortlisted future development renewable energy. This deal will has installed a Lockheed Martin as one of the top three of 750 of the site. BAE promote further development TPS-77 radar near Cromer, on projects in the Civil Service Systems and of wind farms and help the the Norfolk coast. The MOD has Awards 2011, and won an its predecessor Government reduce carbon therefore removed planning acquisition award from Defence companies have had a presence at emissions. objections to five furtherMinister Peter Luff. Woodford since Minister for Defence offshore wind farms in the The two new radars in 1924 building more Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Greater Wash. Northumberland and Yorkshire, than 20,000 aircraft Andrew Robathan said: The new TPS-77 was replacing existing radars, including the “The MOD was instrumental delivered in a project between provide the potential to remove Lancaster bomber, in convincing the energy DE&S, Serco, Lockheed Martin objections to multiple future Canberra, Vulcan, companies to collaborate and and the Department of Energy wind farms, estimated to be able Nimrod and Avro jets. jointly fund the cost of the and Climate Change to produce to provide in total over 750 MW radar, meeting operational a radar not affected by wind of renewable energy. news 9 Frigate hosts Wildcat in NEWSREEL Cyprus has bright future latest round of testing The British sovereign base areas in Cyprus will continue to The Royal Navy’s next-generation be supported, a helicopter has received the thumbs-up Government study from one of its pilots during three days has confirmed. of trials on board a in The areas provide Portsmouth. a capable forward A Wildcat touched down onto the mounting base of HMS Iron Duke at the and are expected to make a big base as part of intensive tests before the contributuion fast and potent helicopter is declared to the logistic operational. drawdown from Pilot Lieutenant Lee Afghanistan. “The Evans said he was impressed with the Strategic Defence Wildcat’s performance: and Security Review “It flies like a Lynx which is good 2010 emphasised the fundamental from a pilot’s point of view. It’s stable, importance of an it’s got one third more power than a ability to remain Lynx and that gives you much more adaptable for confidence as a pilot,” he said. the future. The The mass of data and readings sovereign base recorded by the test team will take areas provide the around nine months to analyse. “The with a unique science going into the trials is amazing,” contribution to our added Lt Cdr Evans. ability to achieve this In three years’ time the Wildcat will goal,” said Defence be the backbone of the Royal Navy’s Secretary Philip frigate and operations around Hammond. the globe, replacing the trusted Lynx which has served the loyally since the mid-1970s. Reds may be The aircraft has already begun sea staying put trials. As well as conducting landings A planned move on the frigate, a 31-strong test team of the Red Arrows ensured Wildcat could be moved in from RAF Scampton and out of the hangar using the ship’s to RAF Waddington has been put on helicopter recovery system. On-board hold. Units at RAF refuelling and ammunition checks were Scampton were also carried out. expected to move by The helicopter has already completed the end of 2014 but ‘hot and high’ trials in Colorado in the the Government has USA and has flown on to and off the decided to review the moves. Further auxiliary vessel RFA Argus at sea. decisions will be n Touchdown: Wildcat lands on HMS Iron Duke announced by the Lynx 9A: pages 17-19 end of this year.

New vehicles all set to give Marchwood a lift On their way Transfer of the Four new container handling vehicles have been delivered to Harrier fleet for use Marchwood military port. as spare parts to Keys to the Hyster vehicles were handed over to Lt Col Simon the USA has begun Hutchings by Gordon Farms of DE&S’ Service Provision team. with the arrival of 40 “This is a game-changing surface mounting capability, United States Marine delivering exponential levels of versatility and availability,” said Corps containers Lt Col Hutchings. The vehicles have been delivered as part of at RAF Cottesmore. the Yellow Fleet Contract with Barloworld Handling and mark Peter Luff, Minister the completion of the Marchwood fleet optimisation programme for Defence where rationalising the overall fleet has allowed investment in new Equipment, Support critical assets. and Technology has Lt Col Hutchings complimented the Regimental stevedores announced that all and Barloworld for successful completion of the project. “This Harrier assets are to investment has become an integral part of Marchwood delivering be removed from UK commercial standards of operational efficiency,” he said. collection points by Marchwood, opposite Southampton and known as the Sea 31 March. Mounting Centre, is where large amounts of military equipment Handover: by Gordon Farms to Lt Col pass through on the way to, and back from, operations and Hutchings exercises abroad. 10 news NEWSREEL Scout armour stands firm against the IED threat A new modular armour system has withstood a series of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts in another key step to delivering the Army’s next generation of reconnaissancce vehicles. Brazil takes As part of live firing trials, patrol ships Scout’s armour systems were pitted against two different Three patrol types of IEDs, the weapon of ships, built by choice for insurgent fighters. BAE Systems Thirty-six blasts were fired for Trinidad and at the armour system and results Tobago, will now confirmed it has the ability to be going to Brazil. Two of the 90-metre protect the crew compartment vessels, originally against penetration by IEDs. procured by the Provided by General government of Dynamics UK, the Scout Trinidad and Tobago Specialist Vehicles (Scout SV) with expert advice programme is from DE&S, will be expected to replace delivered to Brazil Flashpoint: Scout’s armour system – this year with the the 41-year old modular armour packs bolted onto a final one next year. Scimitar family hull – survives another test blast of vehicles and BMT boost deliver the Army’s Future Force 2020 Maritime design recce capability. for major combat operations and and engineering In its primary asymmetical warfare. company BMT role to find and The chassis can take a Defence Services understand the 42-tonne payload, meaning it has had its status enemy, Scout is is ‘future-proof’ from day one. as Recognised Organisation (RO) planned to operate Even at higher weights, Scout renewed by the out on its own at has excellent mobility due to MOD. This permits the vanguard of the battlegroup importance of vehicle its seven road wheels and wide BMT to undertake where the IED threat is at its survivability. tracks that give it a ground assurance activities highest. Platforms have become pressure similar to Scimitar 2. for MOD naval Scout is also expected to heavier since the end of the Cold Design of the new armour has authorities and be flexible across the future War, with lighter vehicles up- been forged with expertise and structural and watertight integrity character of conflict, such as armoured or even replaced on knowledge of British engineers surveys for safety performing escort duty for the battlefield. and building on experience from certification. supply convoys and patrolling Lessons have been built into UK research and development. BMT has also in urban conditions. High levels Scout’s design, with modular These armour packs will be been given full of armour are needed to protect protection to meet IEDs in a fitted to the Scout prototypes delegation for plan the crew from IEDs and other variety of operational threats. for arduous trials with British approval activities threats. The base vehicle comes in soldiers, who will put it through for auxiliary and combatant ships Lessons from Afghanistan a fly-light mode but, once in its paces to ensure it can cope for the Buoyancy and have underlined the theatre, armour packs beef it up with cross-country running. and Stability Naval Authority. Vector award MOD keeps up Typhoon export backing Vector Aerospace as been awarded The Ministry of Defence has repeated to providing support to defence export the MOD’s its support to defence export campaigns, campaigns where there is a direct benefit to Design Approval Organisation particularly for Typhoon, despite the decision defence to do so. Scheme of Japan to procure the F-35 Joint Strike “Ministers and officials are providing certification. The Fighter. support to all Typhoon export campaigns scheme provides a Minister for Defence Equipment, Support as part of an active and innovative defence level of assurance to and Technology Peter Luff told Parliament: diplomacy initiative.” project teams on the “The Government is clearly disappointed Mr Luff added in a Parliamentary answer: company’s design that the Eurofighter Typhoon bid for Japan’s “We will continue to work closely with BAE modifications and repairs to UK F-X future fighter requirement, led by BAE Systems, our Eurofighter partners and military aircraft. Systems, was unsuccessful. colleagues from across Government in support “But this department is committed of ongoing Typhoon export campaigns.” news 11 ‘Beach balls’ keep front line fuel rolling in Report: Hannah Swingler

Giant “beach balls” to transport fuel by air have been delivered to troops in Afghanistan. Known as Air Portable Fuel Containers Mk 5 they will deliver essential fuel supplies to remote areas of the front line, reducing the need for risky overland convoys. Each container holds up to two tonnes of fuel to make life easier for troops in remote bases where it powers generators to provide heat as well as electricity for lighting, medical facilities and communication equipment. It is also used to fuel vehicles and aircraft based remotely or used on extended operations. Richard Holloway, Battlefield Utilities team leader at DE&S, said: “These containers provide an effective, safe and quick means of delivering fuel to the front line, ensuring essential support to operations.” Flt Lt John Harrison, Tactical Supply Wing Detachment commander at Camp Bastion, added: “They are extremely robust and have the capability to be airlifted full of fuel and deposited wherever they are needed, usually in extremely austere locations. “This allows the battlefield helicopter to extend its reach from Camp Bastion and spend longer at the front line to deliver valuable support to ground troops. They are relatively maintenance-free and easy Above: how the to operate, making them an essential bit fuel is delivered of equipment.” to front line The reusable containers, or balls, are bases in Afghanistan made from rubber and polymer Kevlar, a flexible plastic commonly used in body Right: two of armour and are transported either in a the Air Portable sling under a helicopter or in the body of Fuel Containers transport aircraft. Mk5 They can also be parachuted into remote locations or dropped from heights of up to 25ft. Measuring 4.5 feet in diameter when full they are 25 per cent lighter than previous models used meaning that, when deflated, it takes fewer troops to carry and fold the containers flat for Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has said it will cost storage purposes. around £3 million to allow women to serve on . Designed and built in the UK the Appropriate accommodation is needed along with emergency containers have been bought under a air supplies, so should any female submariner be found to be £2 million, five-year agreement with Defence pregnant while on board, she will be able to breathe from a discrete air supply until she can be medically evacuated. GKN Aerospace based in Portsmouth, Secretary Female officers will serve onVanguard class submarines securing 10 jobs at the factory. from late next year, followed by ratings in 2015. Phil Swash, President and chief estimates Women will be able to serve on Astute submarines as both executive of Aerostructures Europe at officers and ratings from about 2016. The decision to allow GKN Aerospace, said: “We have a small, sub women to serve on submarines was made last autumn. dedicated workforce in Portsmouth conversion o Final decisions on how many F-35C aircraft will be ordered with around 180 people working on fuel to deliver a Carrier Strike capability by 2020 will not be made and emergency flotation systems, ten of costs before the next planned Strategic Defence and Security Review. whom work specifically on this project. “We will not set a firm in-service date for the aircraft until “The real contribution this after our next Main Gate decision, currently planned for 2013,” equipment makes is something this team said Defence Minister Peter Luff in a Parliamentary answer. and the whole site is extremely proud of.” 12 news

Popular Swordfish now back in focus

Fairey Swordfish, pictured on its poppy drop

The Fairey Swordfish Mk2 – tail number Flights and supported by Special Projects SPMAP along with key stakeholders BAE LS326 – has been back in the skies over the Multi Air Platforms (SPMAP) team based at Systems (Brough), QinetiQ (Farnborough) UK after returning to flying last summer. Abbey Wood. Structures, the Military Aviation Authority and The aircraft, of the Royal Navy Historic Last spring the historic flights were RNHF. Flight (RNHF), is one of three MOD-owned subject to an extensive flight safety review LS326 launched last year's Royal British Swordfish and one of only two airworthy which meant flying was cancelled while each Legion’s Poppy Appeal for its local branch. examples of its type worldwide. aircraft was reviewed. The aircraft, piloted by Lt Cdr Glenn Allison The Swordfish along with seven other LS326 returned last June after a RN, with two crew members from the RNAS historic types (fixed and rotary wing) are considerable amount of hard work put in Yeovilton-based flight, released 15,000 operated by Army and Royal Navy Historic by the three man Engineering Authority in poppies over Middle Street in Yeovil.

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NEWSREEL Contract puts fire into Navy firefighting Back in the fold Mangement of firefighting equipment to all classes of current surface ships and for Royal Navy vessels is to be carried out by submarines, and the new Type 45 destroyers HMS Illustrious Babcock. and Astute class submarines. has been formally welcomed into the The company has been awarded a Babcock will offer a single point of contact Royal Navy with contract by DE&S covering spares, repairs for all equipment and services, which should a rededication and management of a range of firefighting reduce project, commercial and technical ceremony at sea and damage control equipment on ships and overheads for the DE&S team. following her latest submarines. All spares and repairs will be delivered maintenance period Equipment covered under the contract within either 60 or 90 days from receipt of which completed includes fire extinguishers, hoses, fire detection order. The company plans to work with DE&S in Rosyth last year. The sensors, firefighting foam, and more. to improve forecast demand to maximise held the ceremony Equipment and services are common operational capability and value for money. as she returned from Hamburg - the ship's first visit to a foreign port in more than two years.

Search dogs lead the way

Nearly 1,000 dogs – search dogs and guard dogs – provide the bulk of the MOD’s inventory of animals, according to the latest figures. The list also includes 499 working horses, all in a ceremonial role, and 13 falcons used for runway clearance. The list of official mascots includes two drum horses, three dogs, three SofS places mountain goats, one Swaledale ram and two Shetland MOD on ponies. Figures fall Olympic alert The trained strength of the UK Armed Forces reduced from 178,400 to 173,830 Philip Hammond visits Portland where RFA Mounts Bay, above, is moored from 1 May 2010 to 1 November 2011, Parliamentary Defence Secretary Philip “It is a pleasure to visit The meeting focused on how figures reveal. Hammond has seen first-hand Weymouth to see the benefits that every part of the UK can take During the same how the south west will benefit the 2012 London Olympic and full advantage of the Olympic period civilian personnel at the from the 2012 Olympic Games. Paralympic games is bringing to and Paralympic Games and MOD reduced from Mr Hammond was in the town and to the wider south the unique chance that that the 89,770 to 79,240. Weymouth, venue of the sailing west region,” he said. country has to sell itself to a events, on 9 January where he “The Royal Navy will form massive international audience. announced the Royal Navy and an integral part of the security Earlier Mr Hammond Cash gift Royal Marines would play a part operation around Weymouth announced that around 13,500 A collection at in security around the Dorset during the Games with HMS MOD personnel would be Christmas by DE&S’ town. Bulwark and RFA Mounts involved in helping the Games go Policy Secretariat Mr Hammond met Dorset Bay and a contingent of Royal smoothly. and the Corporate police and port authorities on Marines assisting the Dorset He said: “Our Armed Forces Communications board RFA Mounts Bay to hear Police in securing the area.” will do a fantastic job – and I look teams raised £90 about local plans for the Games Mr Hammond also attended a forward to their professionalism for Medecins Sans and to discuss security of the Cabinet meeting on the Olympic and agility being on show on the Frontieres. Weymouth Olympic venue Park in Stratford, East London. world stage once again.” 14 news

Leading the way: HMS Kent is pictured entering Portsmouth following her successful maintenance period in Rosyth, which came to an end before Christmas. The Babcock team which worked on her has now begun work on HMS Portland

Portland to benefit from lessons HMS Portland has entered Rosyth for the latest upgrade and maintenance programme on a Type 23 frigate. The docking period will draw on Babcock’s experience from learned at previous successful Type 23 refits, including that onH MS Kent completed last December by the same team, and its close partnering with DE&S, to deliver the programme with maximum efficiency and minimised cost, representing optimum value for money. Rosyth HMS Portland will be the latest ship to receive the new DNA2 Command System, key to the ship’s fighting capability against air, surface and underwater threats. She will also be fitted with Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) enabling information sharing and collaborative working across the defence sector network. 2087, the tactical variable depth active and passive anti-submarine warfare system, will be fitted, which will involve significant structural modifications to the aft end of the ship. Right: HMS Further modifications will include the mid-life update Portland, due comprising tracking, guidance and weapon management upgrades back in the Fleet to counter evolving anti-ship missile threats. The ship’s 4.5-inch towards the end gun will be replaced along with a new 30mm automatic gun fit. of the year after In addition to these upgrades a full programme of deep upgrade work at Rosyth maintenance will be undertaken, including structural repairs, picture refurbishment and maintenance of all the ship’s systems and equipment, and renewal of the hull coatings. The demanding and tightly scheduled programme will last eleven months. DE&S’ project manager David Winstanley said: “We are looking forward to the challenges of Portland’s upkeep period and are confident that the embedded partnering ethos will ensure another successful project at Rosyth.” HMS Portland will leave Rosyth for sea trials in the autumn.

DE&S cements relations with aircraft industry Visits to Filton and Broughton to the A400M offers a significant leap in monitor progress on two future RAF capability over existing transport aircraft aircraft have underlined DE&S’ key and provides the UK industrial base with supplier relations. a world class composite manufacturing Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, Chief of capability. Materiel (Air) at DE&S, visited two EADS At Airbus in Broughton Sir Kevin saw facilities producing wings on some of the the A330 wings destined for the fourth world's most high-tech assembly lines. Voyager aircraft – the RAF’s new air- At Airbus Filton, Sir Kevin was given to-air refuelling and transport aircraft an explanation of the complex process – which was undergoing work to install of manufacturing an Airbus A400M hydraulic and electrical systems. composite wing. The wing uses cutting Supplier relations develop robust edge carbon composite manufacturing strategic relationships between DE&S techniques. and industry to improve coherency, Above: Sir Kevin, right, inspects an A400M wing Composite technology will ensure performance and decision-making. assembly in build at Airbus, Filton news 15

World-class T&E on your Air doorstep

The lightweight generator's award shows how the Centre for Defence Enterprise is helping foster defence innovation Top award gives Land centre a boost

A lightweight oxygen generator developed to save lives on the front line has won first prize at the Engineer Technology and Innovation Awards 2011. Sea The award for best collaboration in defence and security was presented to Cambridge Design Partnership and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s (Dstl) Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE). CDE is a gateway to the MOD for academia, industry and independent inventors to help provide rapid response and support to anyone with exceptional innovative ideas that can help defence. Cambridge Design Partnership is a technical consultancy The Long Term Partnering Agreement with a record of designing breakthrough medical devices, but (LTPA) provides Test and Evaluation this was the first time it had worked with the MOD. and Training Support Services to MOD. Research by Dstl showed how blunt force trauma survival The majority of your costs are funded rates increase significantly when oxygen is administered, but there is a need for a lightweight solution appropriate for the front centrally by MOD, ensuring you receive line. exceptional value for money for all of As a result, Cambridge Design Partnership designed an your evaluation requirements. integrated oxygen concentrator powered by a micro-diesel engine instead of a heavy battery. It is now working to further the technology, and it sees wider opportunities for supplying the Evaluating military capabilities from concept oxygen generators for civilian use, such as search and rescue operations, disaster relief and ambulances. to disposal, the LTPA provides innovative test and evaluation of military and civil platforms, systems, weapons and components on land, Industry updated on the C-IED fight at sea and in the air.

DE&S’ Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) Office has To find out everything you need to know about held another hard-hitting and informative industry day for 140 the LTPA and how to make use of it, go to: representatives from 90 companies. Introduced and supported by Director Battlespace Manoeuvre (General Nick Pope) and Director Information Superiority (Air Vice-Marshal Mark Green), speakers were the best of the technical expertise within MOD. Included was a returning Company www.LTPA.co.uk Commander and members from the C-IED Task Force from www.LTPA.co.uk is a QinetiQ registered domain name. Operation Herrick 14 who were complimentary about the kit so far supplied. Industry feedback suggests ‘first hand knowledge from the front line is invaluable’ to its investment decisions. Delivery team leaders, capability sponsors and the science and technical community were also present at the Main Building event. For more information contact the DE&S C-IED Office on 030679 81298 or [email protected] 16 news When two hats become one . . .

MOD Director Submarines Rear future, making sure that when we embark Rear Admiral Admiral Simon Lister already has a full- on changes, we have considered the time day job in DE&S but is also double- consequences of those changes,” he said. Simon Lister's hatted as the Royal Navy’s Chief Naval Another focus is on ensuring the role in the Engineer Officer. increasing sophistication of sea-going But for Rear Admiral Lister, the two equipment does not affect the all-important Royal Navy roles have for all practical purposes become ability of warships and submarines to one. operate remotely from shore support. complements “As Chief Naval Engineer Officer A major event in Rear Admiral Lister’s (CNEO) I lead the service’s engineering diary is the Chief Naval Engineer Officer’s his day job at branch, which totals around 9,000 officers conference on 15 and 16 March at HMS and ratings serving DE&S, as he all over the world – explains to and here in DE&S where they bring their Ralph Dunn operational expertise to teams working on procurement and support of naval equipment,” he said. “In his handover to me my predecessor, Rear Admiral Bob Love, told me the two roles were complementary. In my day to day business as Director Submarines, I am immersed in delivering engineering to the Royal Immersed in delivering engineering: Rear Admiral Lister explains DE&S' submarine dismantling plans at the launch of public Navy – on procurement of consultation on last autumn new platforms and in-service support. “And as CNEO my biggest focus is Collingwood which he will host. on the training and education of men He said: “It’s a gathering of the clans and women in the branch, so that they and a chance to catch up with the latest are offered the experience and get the developments and news across the service. necessary qualifications and leadership I want to help ensure that all of us in the opportunities to give them the chance of engineering branch have an opportunity career progression in the Royal Navy. to shape the Navy’s Engineering Strategy, “I answer to the 1st Sea Lord on and to form a common view about how we whether the Royal Navy’s people, will contribute to the Future Navy Vision procurements, policies and processes and how we will deliver the engineering all fit together as we go forward into the component of that.”

185x65LoricaAd_Layout 1 15/08/2011 10:13 Page 1

Your Survivability Partners Lorica Systems UK Ltd, The Airport, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8RX Tel: +44 1223 373737 Email: [email protected]

www.loricasytemsuk.com © Crown Copyright/MOD 2010 lynx 17 Last Mk9A handover completes Lynx fleet upgrade

ceremony at AgustaWestland’s Report: Tim Lewis to mount a larger door gun and more Yeovil plant saw the last of 22 effective camera. ALynx Mk9A helicopters handed Mk9A having already exceeded 4,000 Brigadier James Illingworth, Head of over to the Army Air Corps following a hours on operations in Afghanistan, Army Aviation and Deputy Commander rapidly delivered upgrade programme. where its more powerful engines allow of the Joint Helicopter Command, An Urgent Operational Requirement all year-round flying in hot and high received the aircraft on behalf of the to convert an initial 12 aircraft saw a environments. Army Air Corps from AgustaWestland contract placed in March 2009, with the As well as structural changes to chairman Graham Cole. remaining ten Mk9s added later that year. accommodate the new engine the The final aircraft has been handed upgrade also includes improvements to over three months early, with the cockpit instrumentation and the ability n continued on page 18

Picture: Andrew Linnett 18 lynx

n continued from page 17

DE&S was represented by Commodore Malcolm Toy and by Lynx team leader, Captain Richard McElwaine and members of his team based at Yeovil, whose performance won them a Chief of Defence Materiel Commendation in 2010. Yeovil MP David Laws was among speakers who praised the workforce for turning the project around so rapidly, while Major James Senior from 9 Squadron, Army Air Corps joined Brigadier Illingworth in highlighting the excellent performance of the Mk9A in theatre. Major Senior’s presentation included video footage of the Mk9A on operations in Afghanistan and on exercise in Norway and Kenya and particularly mentioned the tremendous advantages brought about by the 40 per cent power increase, greatly improving the helicopter’s versatility. This included its ability to free up Apaches for other tasks by escorting larger support helicopters such as Chinook and Merlin. The achievement of delivering the upgraded capability was summed up in comment by DE&S Director Helicopters, Scope of modifications Adrian Baguley: “The delivery to time and cost of this Urgent Operational Requirement has given theatre Fairings, doors commanders a much more capable and versatile light helicopter. This was a truly and cowlings outstanding example of joint working between the DE&S Lynx project team and AgustaWestland.” Pipes and drains

Commemorative pictures of Mk9A are handed over to Captain Richard McElaine, below right, and, bottom right, Major James Senior by chairman Graham Cole of AgustaWestland

Engine controls

Instrument panel and digital displays

Cockpit lighting and control lynx 19

Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff:

“I’m delighted that this programme has swiftly equipped the Army with a helicopter that can play a valuable support role in theatre all year round, free of the performance restrictions that affected its predecessor. Commanders are already feeling the benefits of this more versatile development of the excellent Lynx.”

Commanding Officer of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, Lt Col Mike Keating:

“The Mk9A has revolutionised the provision of Light Utility Helicopter support on Operation Herrick. Operationally credible and capable, the Lynx Mk9A’s performance and reliability enable the enduring provision of escort and overwatch to support helicopters and ground troops alike. A delight to operate and maintain, the platform’s utility continues to expand as its versatility in theatre increases on a daily basis.”

CTS800-4N engine installation Fairings, doors Fire and cowlings suppression

Exhausts

Tail rotor pitch

Rear structure and top deck

Electrical system and DC generation 20 materiel strategy

undreds of DE&S civilian and ‘We intend to military personnel were told by ‘It is now up to the HChief of Defence Materiel (CDM) move forward Bernard Gray in a town hall session Secretary of State held at DE&S headquarters in Abbey together as Wood, Bristol, that a submission and to decide what accompanying report on options for the a team. We future of the organisation had been sent to do. It will be a to Secretary of State Philip Hammond, as will need to planned, before Christmas. significant prize for Options presented to Mr Hammond, proceed with whittled down from an initial eight, the country and for were a trading fund, an Executive Non the goodwill, Departmental Public Body (ENDPB) and a defence if we get government-owned contractor-operated understanding (GoCo) organisation. this right’ And Mr Gray praised The Materiel and Strategy team, under Major General Chris Deverell, for the huge amount of commitment work it had done in the last nine months to produce and refine the potential of you, the options for DE&S. Mr Gray led two town hall sessions Equipment Plan. He said a key area workforce and and took questions from staff. was the frictional cost to MOD of an He said: “It is now up to the Secretary overheated equipment programme, communication of State to decide what to do. It will be a which amounted to between £1.3 and £1.9 significant prize for the country and for billion every year, averaged over the last and defence if we get this right.” ten years He added that now the options paper He said: “By extending the amount engagement had been concluded and circulated he of time a project runs there is a direct with you is a big part of what we are about. Strategy is all ready to shape the I will be doing town hall sessions both future of equipment and support here and at

other DE&S was able to share more of the thinking labour cost, indirect labour cost and behind it with staff. Communication assets in industry which are used for sites and there and engagement with everyone in DE&S much longer.” would be a key priority. Frictional costs included spending to are a great “We intend to move forward together develop and dispose of post main-gate as a team. We will need to proceed capability that is not used, increased variety of other with the goodwill, understanding and costs on procurement projects, extension commitment of you, the workforce and of the service life of equipment to fill a ways through communication and engagement with you capability gap, development of solutions is a big part of what we are about. to mitigate delays and costs of extending which we want “I will be doing town hall sessions the lives of DE&S teams. both here and at other DE&S sites and Mr Gray told DE&S staff that lying to involve there are a great variety of other ways behind the cost and time issues there through which we want to involve were three overarching problems, of everybody. I will everybody. I will also work with the Two which the first was being addressed by Stars and One Stars on fleshing this out the Defence Board and the second and also work with and making this work.” third by The Materiel Strategy: He outlined some of the problems the Two Stars that DE&S now faces in delivering the • An overheated programme and One Stars on fleshing this ‘We are a numbers business so we need to out and making make sense of and organise the numbers. this work’ – Numbers are the instrument panel we need Bernard Gray to run the organisation’ materiel strategy 21

where requirements exceeded the amount of money available;

• Too many specification and budgetary changes were being requested. Alongside this problem cost and technical risk were understated;

• Business capabilities, core functions and tools were lacking in DE&S.

Mr Gray explained to staff that programmes for which full data was available showed a cost increase of around 40 per cent and an increase in time of around 79 per cent. “This data has been run through three separate processes. We are starting far more equipment activity than we are in a position to finish,” he said. A proportion of DE&S stock inventory has not moved in four years – the organisation was ordering things which were not being used. “Our third problem is a lack of skills,” he said. “The rules within which we operate are a significant constraint on our ability to recruit talented people.” Strategy is all ready to shape the future of equipment and support

Mr Gray said that the job of DE&S was complex and difficult but the organisation had not always helped itself – and one of these areas was in over-optimism. He explained the advantages and disadvantages of the three potential options and said that in all three the role of DE&S in procuring and supporting equipment would remain the same with the organisation being the deliverer, going to industry to acquire military equipment at the request of the Capability Sponsor and front line commands. And military personnel would still form roughly the same proportion of DE&S personnel as now. In answer to questions from staff Mr Gray said that additional skills were not just needed in the areas of project and programme management. He said; “It’s about commercial negotiation, engineering and finance skills. We are a numbers business so we need to make sense of and organise the numbers. Numbers are the instrument panel we need to run the organisation. “There is a significant benefit to us if we get this right and significant problems if we get it wrong,” Mr Gray 22 compassionate cell Home – from anywhere in the world

‘And if we can’t get you back in time then we really take a knock’

etting servicemen, women Abbey Wood moves family members back home, this team and civil servants home from would spring into action to get them Ganywhere in the world when their into gear in your home to be at their loved ones’ side. This families need them most is an exacting reassurance allows them to concentrate task. hour of need fully on the task in hand. Deep in the heart of Abbey Wood, With British military personnel and the Defence Support Chain Operations civil servants on active service across and Movements’ Compassionate Cell is The team of ten, from all three the globe, the unit can be tasked with an unremarkable looking unit – a pair services, work in pairs in shifts which anything from picking a soldier out of of office desks with a six-foot-high map means the unit is active 24 hours a day, a forward operating base in the middle of UK airfields and a television screen every day. There is never a moment of Afghanistan, to getting a member of playing rolling world news. when serving sailors, marines, soldiers, the off a ship in the But the job the small team does is vital airmen or civil servants on operations middle of the ocean. – bringing people home in their hour of do not have the comfort of knowing No hard and fast regulations need. that, if the worst were to happen to close can be laid down for the granting of compassionate travel; each case requires individual, objective and sensitive assessment. The authority for travel at public expense on compassionate grounds rests entirely with the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) in Imjin Barracks, Gloucester, or, for civilians, the Employee Wellbeing

Section of Defence Business Services. Then it’s the job of the Compassionate Cell to organise the transport. After negotiations with medical staff, the urgency of travel needed is agreed as, in this business, hours and even minutes really do count. The cases are classified either as compassionate Alphas or Bravos. The Alphas need to be home by the fastest possible means; the Bravos need to be home by a specific date. Although the use of existing military air transport is the default setting, for compassionate Alphas it’s any means necessary to get the person home in time. This includes buying seats on commercial aircraft, arranging special flights of military aircraft and even hiring taxis for transport from airport to hospital. A couple of recent cases give a flavour of the job’s importance. Last summer a Royal Marine in a Forward Operating Base in Helmand Province, Afghanistan was categorised as a Compassionate Alpha due to serious illness of a member of his family. Due to the base’s remoteness, he had missed the last military transport aircraft by two compassionate cell 23 Home – from anywhere in the world

Picture: Kevin Slade

hours with the next one 24 hours later. the need arise, they know they can get Compassionate Compassionate Year One of the C-130 Hercules aircraft based loved ones home as soon as possible, Alpha Bravo in Afghanistan was tasked to fly the taking away one of the stresses of being 2009 530 1,206 Marine to Minhad Airbase in the United separated.” 2010 510 1,235 Arab Emirates. The Compassionate Cell booked a civilian flight from Dubai to n As an indication of just how important 2011 4 81 1,262 Manchester leaving two hours after the this DE&S unit is, the number of arrival of the C-130. This flight arrived compassionate cases moved in at Manchester airport where there was the three years to last year is a taxi waiting to take him to the hospital contained in the table, right. where his next of kin was. The total time from notification to arrival at the hospital was only 20 hours. In another case a soldier on exercise in was told his father-in-law was seriously ill in a Nottingham hospital – he was deemed an Alpha case. The fastest way to get him back to the UK was by a commercial flight from Calgary to London . At Heathrow he was met by a member of the Civilian Airport Detachment – military movements personnel who serve the London area – and transferred to a waiting military Agusta 109 helicopter. The helicopter landed him on the sports field at Nottingham University, from where he was taken by military transport straight to the hospital. From leaving Canada to arriving at the hospital took 17½ hrs. Guy Lendon, head of the cell, said: “The people we move are not just numbers to the staff of the Compassionate Cell. The men and women who work there care deeply about getting these people home, because as serving service personnel themselves, they know that one day it could be them needing to get back home in a hurry. “If, on the odd occasion, personnel don’t get back in time to say goodbye to their loved ones, the staff on the unit really take a knock; they put everything into getting that individual home as quickly as possible. “Every family has a little card with details of the JCCC and, should 24 policy ‘Nato – the most successful tool for collective defence ever invented’

nternational terrorism, nuclear proliferation, failing states, The debt crisis should be considered the ‘Iresource depletion, the security consequences of a changing climate – this greatest strategic threat to the future is a world of diverse and evolving threats, all of which have a global dimension. security of our nations, says Defence And in a globalised society there are no corners left to hide, hoping that bad Secretary Philip Hammond, which is a things happen to someone else. So, collective defence is the only chance to strengthen and renew the North rational and long-term sustainable posture. Atlantic Alliance The UK and the US are natural partners and Nato is a strong and durable expression of that partnership. The successful response of the in their own way, has asked fundamental best, recover slowly in the medium term. Alliance to the crisis in , has questions about the future of the The challenge is to maximise the reconfirmed the utility of Nato, in Alliance. capability we can squeeze out of the delivering military force in a coalition, Why does the Alliance struggle to resources we have. and serving the needs of international generate deployable capability from the The Secretary General’s Smart security. huge forces nominally available to it? Defence points the way to how this is When sustained multinational action Are we seeing the beginning of a two- likely to be achieved. was required, Nato was the only realistic tier alliance with some allies less willing First, this work needs to begin, and co-ordinating mechanism. to participate in operations than others? begin now, with an objective and clear- Nato provides a ready structure for And the $64,000 question: how long sighted assessment of the current state of joint and combined operations which it is will public opinion in those nations who Nato’s collective competence. impossible to replicate quickly elsewhere. invest proportionally more in defence This needs to take account of Other partners outside the capability be willing to subsidise the what we know of reductions that are Alliance can be swiftly and effectively defence of those who invest less? already planned, how these impact on accommodated, as both the Libya Too many countries are failing to current capabilities and how well these operations, and International meet their financial responsibilities capabilities are supported and able to be Stabilisation and Assistance Force to Nato, and so failing to maintain sustained. operations in Afghanistan show. appropriate and proportionate Second, we need to deal with the That is why Nato remains the most capabilities. sensitive issue of political solidarity. We powerful alliance in the world, and the Too many are opting out of operations must find a way to allow the assets of most successful tool for collective defence or contributing but a fraction of what the Alliance, including the command ever invented. they should be capable of. structure, to be used by the few on behalf But at the same time, Libya and The economic and fiscal of the many to implement the will of the Afghanistan have highlighted the circumstances in which most developed wider international community. significant difficulties we face in ensuring countries find themselves makes this Third, we need to build on the ability that Nato continues to serve the needs of problem difficult to fix in the short term. of non-Alliance members to contribute to collective security. Without strong economies and stable Nato operations. In the course of the past year, two US public finances it is impossible to build Both Libya and Afghanistan Defense Secretaries have felt the need to and sustain, in the long-term, the military have shown how agile Nato can be express their concern about the future of capability required to project power and in incorporating the contributions of Nato. maintain defence. outsiders. Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, each That is why today the debt crisis We should capitalise on this should be considered the greatest experience in making it easier for non- strategic threat to the future security of Nato nations and key potential partners our nations. – such as Sweden, , Qatar, UAE, ‘Nato provides a In the United Kingdom we have had Japan and South Korea – to contribute to make some tough decisions to get the to Nato’s operations; to fight as well as ready structure for defence programme back on track and facilitate, often without the caveats that sustainable in the long-term. some Alliance members insist upon. joint and combined But the action being taken by the UK, That is why another part of making by the US and other allies to bring their Smart Defence a success should be operations which fiscal positions under control is itself a making the Alliance more flexible, strategically essential underpinning to encouraging collaboration among groups it is impossible to future sustainable defence capability. of members, including with partners So the simple truth is clear: across the outside the Alliance, which could have the replicate quickly alliance, aggregate defence expenditure effect of boosting the overall capability of elsewhere’ is certain to fall in the short term and, at the Alliance. policy 25 ‘Nato – the most successful tool for collective defence ever invented’

The new Northern Group of nations, which includes the Baltic and Nordic countries, Germany, Poland and the , as well as the UK, is part of this process for us. The Franco-British Defence Treaties, signed last year, herald another deepening partnership for the United Kingdom. There are many different ways of working together and we should not be afraid to explore initiatives that add value to the capability of the Alliance as a whole. The solidarity of the Nato Alliance is something we have come to take for working ever more closely together. It is an opportunity to work more granted over the decades. And when all of us face the same closely and effectively together to Of course there have been tensions inexorable pressure to reduce deficits; strengthen and renew the Nato Alliance from time to time, but that is always true when defence must compete for a share of as it enters the next phase of its proud within even the closest families. a shrinking pot of money, it becomes ever history.’ What Secretary Gates and then more difficult to justify to our citizens Secretary Panetta have done is remind delivering security for those who seem us that the Alliance cannot rest forever reluctant to value it by investing in it n Mr Hammond was speaking at the on the post 9/11 surge in US defence themselves. Atlantic Council, Washington DC on spending. Let’s work together to ensure that 5 January. The full text of his speech In the absence of a “crock of gold” the resourcefulness that has allowed us can be seen at http://www.mod.uk/ anywhere in sight, that means we must to triumph in adversity in the past, is DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/People/ renew our vows, and resolve to work used to turn this fiscal challenge into an Speeches/SofS/20120105NatoTheCaseFor smarter, to deliver more with less by opportunity; CollectiveDefenceInThe21stCentury.htm Advertising FeAture durable investment

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Scheme helps Firm support as Torbay to preserve engineering programme forges ahead talent Engineers and those with engineering-related skills who are leaving the MOD are being urged to join a scheme which links them with companies looking to fill vacancies. The Talent Retention Scheme (TRS) aims to retain key skills in the economy which might be lost after the Strategic Defence and Security Underway: Review. scaffolding The MOD was a surrounds founding member of the HMS Torbay business-led Skills and in the early Job Retention Group, stages of along with many major her RAMP companies, which has set maintenance up TRS. period in The scheme, involving Devonport up to 1,000 companies by the end of last year, allows individuals to register skills and qualifications and search for engineering vacancies. It also allows Industrial support group employers to upload Pyeroy continues to grow vacancies and search services to the marine sector the database for people by backing the maintenance of with specific skills or HMS Torbay. qualifications. TRS starts initial The Gateshead-based contact between the company is providing two after which normal scaffolding and other “In the reactor compartment, at Rosyth and was involved recruitment processes containment systems in and we have supported Rolls Royce in in HMS Illustrious’ 18-month begin. All eligible civilian around the Trafalgar class their inspections of the Primary refit completed last June. The personnel leaving the MOD submarine while the vessel Circuit and we will continue company is also supporting via Voluntary Early Release is in the care of Babcock at to support a busy inspection work, including painting, on Schemes are able to register on the TRS and be Devonport, announced in programme throughout the the Queen Elizabeth aircraft provided with a link to the November's desider. docking period.” carriers under construction in site with their termination The contract builds on Pyeroy also supports Babcock yards around the country. letter. the company’s provision of Service personnel, scaffolding around HMS eligible to resettlement Vigilant in Devonport’s 9 Dock through the Career and support to maintenance It’s always good to talk in Transition Partnership, can register via a link on recently completed on HMS the Partnership website. Talent in 15 Dock. Devonport’s new experience TRS, Government- Jack Hayton, director of funded for the first year, Pyeroy’s Marine Division, said: is free to join for small to Communications connectivity for warships and submarines medium sized companies “This is another major contract alongside at Devonport has been improved – the latest enhancement to with no subscription costs that showcases the expertise services under the Devonport Experience initiative launched last autumn. for the individual. and workmanship of our The Devonport Experience – involving Babcock, the Devonport A TRS spokesman Naval Base Commander (NBC(D)), Commodore of the Devonport Flotilla workforce.” said: “The scheme has (ComDevFlot), Interserve and Serco – acts on feedback from crews to Pyeroy provided scaffolding been lauded as being improve experience of Devonport for operational users. and painting for refit of the Type good for those leaving More than 100 staff from 11 ships and submarines gathered views on 23 frigate HMS Northumberland the department with the engineering activities to accommodation, shore supply connections, sports opportunity to move into also undertaken at Devonport. pitches, vessel movements to out of hours support. good jobs where their Babcock boat manager Jon One area for improvement has been connectivity of television, data and engineering expertise Lewis said: “HMS Torbay docked telephones, a perennial problem at the waterfront. While this has improved could be utilised. This will for surface ships it has been more difficult to make the same benefits to schedule and the tailshaft also help the economy. available to submarines. inspection has completed “Trades unions have A single point of contact for technical help has addressed some issues slightly ahead of plan. been engaged in MOD’s although telephone connection is still a problem. This is being worked on “Scaffolding for access to participation in TRS and by a team from DE&S and Fleet to deliver a simpler, more robust method of are supportive.” the vessel’s hull is complete, linking shore and onboard equipment. For more information and early surveys of external Other improvements include an extension to the base’s Sunday night on TRS and how to register sensors and hull fittings are well shuttle; increased frequency of the main bus service; shortened waiting see 2011DIN01-225. in hand. We remain ahead of times at Camels Head and Drake Gates; and installation of new Defence schedule on weapons upgrade. Information Infrastructure terminals at the Waterfront Learning Centre. 28 news

Staff who implement an environmental Staff sign off with success on management system in project teams have completed their practitioner course. The course is aimed at DE&S people who management system course implement POEMS – the Project Oriented Environmental Management System – in their teams. It forms part of a suite of acquisition environmental management courses developed by Cranfield University and SKM Enviros, and delivered at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham. Pictured are DE&S staff who have completed the practitioner programme, receiving their certificates from Rosalind Roberts, head of safety and environmental protection at DE&S. Also in the picture are course tutors Tracey Temple and Geoff Hooper, and Sue Leycock, DES’ acquisition environmental manager. Back row, from left: Tracey Temple, Sue Leycock, Peter Longden, David Small, Nick Hand, Phil Foster, Pete Burrell and Geoff Hooper. Front: Sarah Jackson, Nina Mistry, Rosalind Roberts and Charlotte Johnson. Sinnathamby Vijayakumar, Sue Scoble, Ian Sanders, Tim Hale, Alice McBroom, Chris Maile and Nigel Williams have also completed the course requirements. Further information on acquisition environmental management courses contact Sue Leycock, DES SEP-Acq-EnvMan. Tel: 9679 82522

Log NEC impacts Niteworks hits a century on defence

The second Partnership signs Logistics Network Enabled Capability up its 100th (Log NEC) open day at Boscombe Down offered an member overview of the key logistic change programmes that Niteworks, the collaborative will impact across partnership between the MOD defence. and the UK defence industry has It was also an signed up its 100th member. opportunity to see Rockwell Collins UK is demonstrations the latest company to take on of Management of the Joint Deployed membership, commemorated Inventory (MJDI) during a vist to the Niteworks and Joint Asset offices in Farnborough by Peter Management Luff, Minister for Defence and Engineering Equipment, Support and Solutions (JAMES), Technology. two of the major transformational Mr Luff presented a certificate projects that are to Steve Banham, managing rolling out. director of Rockwell Collins UK Brigadier and said: “I am a keen supporter Alan Clacher, of Niteworks and I am delighted to head of Log NEC be part of the celebrations to mark Warm welcome: Steve Banham, left, joins up with Niteworks with a welcome at DE&S, marked this milestone. The resources the first year since from Mr Luff introduction of the that Niteworks can draw from Log NEC Delivery organisations such as Rockwell Partnership with Collins UK helps to improve to complement its involvement in added: “Our members are key Boeing Defence requirements, reduce risk, and British aerospace and defence. Mr to the success of Niteworks. Our UK by stressing enhance value for money for the Banham said: “Rockwell Collins plan entering 2011 was to have 100 the importance MOD.” UK is a British defence contractor members by the end of the year so of working with Niteworks continues to evolve and has a great deal of expertise to I’m thrilled that we achieved our industry on an approach to new and expand access to the full offer the Niteworks collaboration. goal. In fact, our membership programmes that breadth of defence and security We look forward to working with currently stands at 105 and with focuses on adopting capability in response to MOD Niteworks and supporting the continuing interest from potential of joint standards. decision support requirements. development of projects for the organisations I expect that 2012 The next event Rockwell Collins joined MOD.” will see a healthy increase in this will be on 26 April. Niteworks as an associate member Gerry Ward of Niteworks number.” news 29

Marchwood Land staff take up the on the march

MOD staff have portfolio challenge been praised for their role in a Portfolio Management ‘disaster’ exercise at Marchwood military has come to DE&S’ Land port. Equipment area. Operation The area’s operating Spartan involved a centre has been implementing number of agencies, a framework over the last including the MOD 12 months with Portfolio Police personnel of Management Office staff sent on 17 Port and Maritime Regiment of the a newly-available practitioner Royal Logistic Corps, training course. and the Defence Fire Land Equipment’s Head and Rescue Service. of Portfolio and Programme The autumn Support, David Marsh, said: “As exercise saw the an Operating Centre we have 23,000-tonne roll-on limited resources, both financial roll-off cargo ship MV Hurst Point and manpower, to deliver our ‘collide’ with a jetty outputs. on its arrival in port. “We must prioritise what Fuel was leaking into we are going to deliver and Southampton Water, to balance customer demand, cargo had shifted on available resources and the deck trapping acceptable risk across all our Course attendees in Neighbourhood 1's atrium, from left (all Land two crew members Equipment's Portfolio Management Office unless stated): Maj Paul and containers on outputs safely and professionally. deck had ruptured, Portfolio management helps us McNicholas (Individual Capability Group), Amanda Turner, Matthew Nixon (LE Transformation), Sue Bibby, Edward Plaster, Bridget Smyth, Arron generating smoke do this more effectively.” Newble, Emma Martin, Anthony Friday across the exercise Although more evident in area. the private sector, portfolio The exercise management has become tested the port’s more widely accessible across of portfolio management best management give us in terms of incident plan, the response of local Government and has enjoyed practices. The Management decision making, prioritisation, emergency services increasing visibility thanks to the of Portfolios guidance is front door processes and so on to a complex, major first accredited course leading complementary to project are essential in a more resource incident and the to Management of Portfolios and programme management constrained environment. ability of agencies to foundation and practitioner techniques and, through the “We will now consolidate and work together. certification. course, we have identifiedbuild on the excellent portfolio Ben Smith of Fire and Portfolio and Programme opportunities to improve and framework implementation work Rescue Service said: Support team Assistant Head mature our approach.” to date, ensuring that effective “The exercise was Sue Bibby said: “The training has Director Land Equipment, portfolio management becomes concluded with all been valuable in improving the Major-General Carew Wilks, ‘business as usual’ in the parties satisfied that office’s collective understanding added: “The tools that portfolio operating centre.” the ‘incident’ had been successfully dealt with. “Thanks must go to all those who took part and the staff at Marchwood Teams urged to join the ‘spring clean’ for making port area and ship available.” DE&S staff are being urged to Centres, Support Solutions be disposed of, the project teams Marchwood help in an equipment ‘spring clean’ Improvement Team, Logistics make the final decision. to add to stock reductions which Commodities and Services, and “Their effort in support of the Dave Rush said: have already reached nearly £2 Finance colleagues are helping to STP is crucial and the results to “The facilities at billion. identify items to be reviewed. date demonstrate what can be the Sea Mounting The Stock Transition Disposal of surplus inventory achieved alongside their role in Centre made it Programme (STP) aims to reduce will be arranged through the supporting current operations”. possible for all the equipment in the defence inventory Disposal Services Authority. Anyone who knows of emergency services by 35 per cent in five years. Results are contributing to the inventory ‘gathering dust’, should to exercise their Between September 2010 and planned closure of A-Site Bicester contact the relevant project team skills in a controlled last October, the STP and Project next month, avoiding expensive or the STP teams. environment with Hercules teams, working with building maintenance. Email: Glyn Duffield, DES JSC minimum disruption stakeholders, identified more than Brigadier David Martin, Head SCM-SCO-STP-OpsMgr (for Land to external agencies. 2,000 lorry loads of equipment for of Supply Chain Management, and Maritime) or Wg Cdr Steve It also allowed 17 disposal. said: “When it comes to optimising Heaton, DES CA-Proj HERCULES- Port and Maritime Project teams, Operating inventory, and deciding what can PM (for Air). Regiment to practise waterborne response to an emergency n http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/Teams/BrowseTeamCategories/Orgbased/DES+- alongside the other +Defence+Equipment+Support/ScmScoStockTransitionProgramme.htm professionals.” 30 news

Divers do base proud

Clyde’s divers have won an effectiveness trophy for a busy year Busy year of bomb which included investigating a series of postal bombs. disposal earns its The divers of the Northern Diving Group were brought into the reward investigation and the key forensic follow-up into bombs sent through the post to a number of people connected part of DE&S’ Nato Submarine Rescue to Glasgow Celtic Football Club System, which, again, can be deployed Their safe handling of a tense and anywhere in the world. sensitive situation won them plaudits Commanding Officer, Lieutenant and the Diving Unit Effectivenss Commander Kevin Stockton, said: Trophy for 2011 – but there is much “It has been a hard year but a very more to the 34-strong team. satisfying one. The men and their They cover more than half the support staff have faced up to every UK’s land mass, including more than challenge with resolve and skill. They 3,000 miles of coastline. are a very talented team.” Two divers are always on 30 Captain of the Clyde base, minutes notice to deploy anywhere Captain Jack Tarr, said: “Dealing for Improvised Explosive Device with explosives is always dangerous, Disposal and within 24 hours a five- improvised and old explosives even man team can be sent anywhere in more so. As well as being highly the world for Fleet maintenance and professional, these men routinely face Proud boss: Lt Cdr Kevin Stockton repairs. Eighteen members are also dangers few of us can imagine.”

Cash helps service Abbey Wood team praised children The MOD is to for its direction of travel provide cash to help schools prevent disruption to The Environmental Team children of service at Abbey Wood has been named personnel during the runner up in the Energy Award early days when they team category at the MOD are settling into new surroundings. Sanctuary Awards. The four-year The award recognises the scheme is one of the team’s work on a programme key commitments of activities aimed at helping of the Armed Forces employees cut their transport Covenant. carbon emissions and relieve Lynda Fisher, local congestion. MOD Director for Children and A key issue has been the need Young People, said: to reduce the number of single “Moving from one occupancy cars and encourage school to another more sustainable travel options. can be a challenging As a result the team has time for the children implemented measures including of serving personnel. provision of dedicated priority “The money will allow schools to parking spaces for staff who car- provide measures share. to ensure children The team has also been of service families running a successful awareness Above: Sue Hordle and Steve Croome of DE&S' Infra SHEF team at Abbey do not suffer any campaign with regular updates Wood receive their award from Major-General Nick Ashmore, Director of disadvantage by on the intranet for staff, and an moving to or through the DIO Strategic Asset Management and Programme team events programme supported different school systems.” by local transport providers and impressed they were with the Abbey Wood with an increasing Thirteen schools other external partners. team’s dedication and drive to number of staff now car sharing, close to Clyde naval Another ‘green transport’ educate and raise awareness of cycling and using public base will share initiative has been the upgrade the sustainable travel agenda. transport to get to work. £147,000, part of a of cycling facilities, including Iain Brookes, Head of “This reflects the hard work £3 million allocation expansion of changing room and Infrastructure and Security, of the team at Abbey Wood and from the Support for lockers with more bike racks. said: “This award recognises the the flexibility of staff in using State Schools Fund. The judges said how progress that has been made at alternative forms of transport.” news 31

Blue light Our financial freefall! wins MOD green light

Advisers swap The work of Clyde naval base’s police the office for officers in building relationships with the parachutes in local community has earned them an MOD Help for award. The MOD Police Heroes jump and Royal Navy Police have joined forces Two Abbey Wood-based with Strathclyde financial advisers will be Police to hold jumping out of a plane next regular discos for month to raise money for Help youngsters in nearby for Heroes. Helensburgh. The Kelly Flanagan has been events – known as the covering the south of England Blue Light Discos – for Forces Financial for the last have built a rapport five years, offering mortgage with youngsters in and protection advice to all areas around the staff on site, both military and naval base. civil service. The team’s hard She has now been joined work and dedication by Melissa Fox, a second has now been mortgage broker, who will recognised at the work alongside her and will highest level an MOD accompany her on the skydive People Award. at a date and venue to be The team was decided. represented by “I’ve never been skydiving Sergeant George before so to commit to doing Smart and Constable something which might be Russell White during regarded as reckless is a bit an award ceremony out of character for me,” said at Main Building. All aboard the skydive: Melissa Fox, left, and Kelly Flanagan are all Kelly. Sgt Smart, the set for a skydive to raise money for Help for Heroes “But it’s all for a good originator of the cause and Mel was up for the initiative, said: “The challenge too. We hope to get family critical illness cover, with euros and dollars. MOD Police, our plenty of support from people buildings and contents cover Anyone interested in partner agencies and at Abbey Wood.” and recommended solicitors. sponsoring them should dedicated volunteers Forces Financial’s branch Forces Financial also offers e-mail kelly.flanagan@ have strived to make is in Neighbourhood Two at other products including forcesfinancial.com or call the Blue Light Discos Abbey Wood where the duo exclusive MOD credit cards her on 07887 998568 with a great success. It provide a free service to staff and saving bonds and a few any enquires regarding the is really great that on mortgages, mortgage months ago installed a cash company’s services or to the hard work of life cover, mortgage critical machine in Neighbourhood sponsor the pair; or pop into the team has been illness cover, family life cover, Two that also provides the site the office in Abbey Wood recognised by the MOD.”

Merlin keeps charity flying high

DE&S’ Merlin team and industry treatment will be sponsored for the colleagues from AgustaWestland next 12 months using money raised by and Lockheed Martin have presented the Merlin team. a cheque for nearly £5,000 to the The cash was raised last year Brainwave children’s charity. through raffles, quizzes and sponsored The cheque was presented by events, including a strong team for the team leader Captain Andy Lison, on 2011 Bristol Half Marathon. the right of the picture, to Brainwave's Captain Lison said: “Brainwave is a Paul Smith at AgustaWestland in fantastic charity and we are delighted Yeovil. to contribute to the ongoing support Also pictured is two-year-old that they are providing to children like Lucas Merreywether with his parents Lucas. It was an absolute pleasure Andy and Sharon; Lucas receives to meet Lucas and his family and we regular therapy at home and at wish them every success with his Brainwave’s Bridgwater base and his programme of therapy.” 32 people news

Twelve DE&S staff have been recognised in the New Year Honours list for their contributions to UK defence. Honoured – DE&S Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, Chief of Materiel (Air) becomes a Knight Commander, and Commodore Robert Thompson, formerly Naval Base staff earn a trip Commander Portsmouth, and Andrew Tyler, former DE&S Chief of Materiel (Joint Enablers), become CBEs. Trudy Couchman, Assistant to the Palace Director Wyton Transformation Team, was awarded an OBE for work she has done at RAF Wyton to manage the withdrawal of DE&S from the site and her support of the people affected. Report: Pauline She said: “Having worked in the Boardman MOD for 32 years I have known a number of people whose contributions have been recognised through the award system – but I never thought it would happen to me. “So, when I received a letter from the Cabinet Office notifying me that my name was to be put forward for an OBE, I was astounded – almost speechless! I did not know whether to laugh or cry. “Although this is a personal award, in my heart I know that anything I have achieved has only been possible as a result of the contribution of the outstanding people it has been my privilege to work with over the last few difficult years. Honoured for their “I don’t yet know when I will go to the work with DE&S: Andy Palace to receive the award but know that Hawkins, far left, Mike for me and for my husband, without whose Pigott, above, and help and support I could never have coped, Trudy Couchman, left it will be a very special day.” Commander Mike Maltby, deputy leader of the Minewarfare, Patrol and FULL DE&S LIST MBE Hydrographic team, was also awarded KCB Major Toby Barnes-Taylor – Formerly Chief an OBE for his dedication to increasing Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson – Chief of of Staff Individual Capability Group surface combatant capability against Materiel (Air) Philip Burns – BAE Systems Submarine a background of increased operational CBE Solutions tempo and decreasing resources. Commodore Robert Thompson – formerly Graem Corfield – FAST Naval Base Commander Portsmouth (recommended for service prior to joining He said: “There is a huge team effort Andrew Tyler – formerly Chief of Materiel the team) involved in that success and clearly this (Joint Enablers) Garry Cunningham – In Service Submarines award reflects their commitment. But it OBE Brian Grant – Base Manager, Babcock goes without saying that I am absolutely Trudy Couchman – Assistant Director Marine thrilled to be one of the few Naval Wyton Transformation Team Major Andrew Hawkins – formerly Defence recipients of an OBE this year, especially Commander Michael Maltby – Deputy Munitions as I am due to retire from the service this leader Minewarfare, Patrol and Michael Pigott – Personal Combat Hydrographic Equipment team summer.” Mike Pigott of the Personal Combat Equipment team received an MBE in recognition of his long service Foxhound in awards too in the realm of ballistic protection. from the Army at Christmas after This includes development and nearly 40 years as an ammunition An MOD scientist has been awarded an OBE for his introduction of personal protection technician just days before his MBE world-leading armour protection work. systems ranging from Osprey to the was announced. Dr Andrew Baxter of the Defence Science and latest tiered pelvic protection system. The final 12 years of his service Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down, has “I am absolutely delighted to was spent in the Weapons Operating been a force behind many of the changes in protection delivered to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has 25 receive the award; it came completely Centre, and its predecessors. When years of service with the MOD, ten of which have been in out of the blue,” he said. he deployed to Iraq is is estimated his current role in Dstl’s Physical Sciences Department. “I have immense pride in the he saved the MOD more than £100 During the past year, the 49-year-old from work I do and I think this award million while ensuring continued Salisbury in Wiltshire, has played a critical role in reflects that and, more widely, supply of scarce munitions to the developing Foxhound, the next generation of light the work completed within the front line. protected patrol vehicle soon to be delivered to the Personal Combat Equipment team. He was a key start up member Forces. He helped set the protection requirements and The equipment we provide is world of DE&S’ munitions contract with provided a leading-edge assessment of industry leading and this is exactly what our BAE Systems − the MASS contract proposals for the project. Working with DE&S and Force service personnel deserve. A day to – and helped it go from strength to Protection Europe, he has helped to guide the design of remember at Buckingham Palace now strength while balancing defence’s the vehicle. awaits and I can’t wait!” needs in developing a tool to calculate The development of Foxhound took place in an Major Andy Hawkins retired the strategic munitions stockpile. incredibly short timeframe – from concept to initial delivery in just 36 months. people news 33

Commercial team puts the focus on continuing growth A Herculean task for, from Commercial members of DE&S’ Hercules Tristar left, Andy team nearly quadrupled their fundraising efforts from Hawkins, Dave growing moustaches for the Movember campaign. Brown, Fiona The team, based at Marshall Aerospace in Thornton, Cambridge, were looking to raise £200 for the Steve campaign to help raise awareness of prostate cancer Moorhouse, and other cancers that affect men. Paul Abbott, Due to the generosity of colleagues, family and Steve Pead friends, the final total raised was £789. and Martin Results ranged, in the words of one observer, Collings from the ‘pitiful to the terrifying, with some disturbing resemblances to, among others, Borat, Homer Simpson, Desperate Dan and David Brent’.

DSRA Lottery winners From Ministry to Ministry November £20,000: Christine Rodgers (Lisburn). £10,000: Michael Top club puts rhythm into Harris (Abbey Wood). £5,000: Kelly Herrity Corsham physical training (Salisbury). £2,000: John Sweeney The Ministry of Sound has come to the rescue of the (Glasgow). £1,000: gym at Corsham. Rebecca Green (Baker Barracks). The London nightclub and record label, which £500: Susan Impey celebrated 20 years in business last year, answered an (Main Building). SOS from gym staff at Corsham which resulted in a £300: Gill Attrill supply of the year’s best dance music for gym members (UKHO), Matthew to exercise to. McGrogan (Lisburn), “Since the gym opened it has struggled to get any Nigel Rummey (Andover), Karen decent music and I had already donated some of my Campbell (York older Ministry of Sound CDs,” said Paul Sweet of the Barracks). £200: Problem Management Team at Information Systems and Susan Firth (London), Services' service operations. Donald Ross “I asked the Ministry of Sound whether they could (Helensburgh), Stefan spare any surplus CDs to help their Armed Forces heroes Povey (Bicester), get the best from their fitness training by listening to Sally Saunders (Dstl), Michael some quality music.” McAteer (York), The answer was prompt. “Three CDs with around Nigel Kendall (Dstl), 60 songs from 2011 were gratefully received by gym Elizabeth Richardson staff and users and are being extensively used for body (Braintree), Susan conditioning sessions in the main gym hall area as well Southey (Bicester), as in the weights, running, rowing and striding machine Bryan Robertson area of the gym. (Stirling), Laura Christie (RAF “A big thumbs up to the Ministry of Sound with Lossiemouth), heartfelt thanks from all the users of the gym who Hitting the right notes: rear, from left: PE James McKay are benefiting from improved focus to their training administrator Margaret Thompson and RAF (Dunfermline). £100: workouts helping mind, body and soul.” physical education staff Cpl Scott Henely and Sgt David North (RAF Andi Goodall. Front: Paul Sweet Marham, Darren Birks (Aldershot), Robert Coleborn (), John Jones (DSG), Andrew Dorman (Ensleigh), Rosemarie Townsend (RAF Waddington), Calum McNicol Fit to (Helensburgh), Nigel bop: gym Hector (Abbey Wood), users at Kevin Richards Corsham (Culdrose), Alistair now have MacLeod (Faslane), the latest John Turner (RAF tunes to Henlow), Elizabeth train to Morris (Woking), Anne Ruscoe (Dstl), David Close (Winchester), Esther Stanley (Bicester). 34 people news

DE&S focuses on road safety

Road safety came to DE&S sites hour, which showed the dangers of with a jam-packed programe of not wearing a seatbelt. information and displays for staff. The Vehicle Operator and A simulated car crash saw two Services Agency conducted vehicle volunteer victims being cut from checks which resulted in two a wrecked vehicle at Devonport immediate prohibitions and one which brought home to onlookers delayed prohibition. the complex work of rescue workers Supported by MOD Police in a real-life situation. constables Brendan Scullion, More than 500 drivers and Chris Swallow and Andy Taylor, cyclists were stopped at Devonport passers by were given advice on for car, bike and personal visibility safe driving and information on tests, focusing on being seen and safety cameras by Strathclyde safe. More than 600 staff were Safety Camera Partnership’s Neil tested on road safety awareness. McGillivray. At Clyde, the Car Seat Sled gave Also in attendance was PC riders the chance to experience Colin Alexander from Strathclyde forces up to five times their body Police Motorcycle Unit who weight, similar to that encountered held a popular presentation for in a car crash at just seven miles an motorcyclists. Seatbelt awareness for staff at Clyde naval base Base remembers 1941 tragedy Clyde pays tribute to crew lost in World War Two sinking Left: personnel Clyde has remembered the loss at Clyde pay of 764 men who perished 70 years their respects to ago when the Royal Navy cruiser those who lost HMS Neptune struck a mine in the their lives on Mediterranean. HMS Neptune in 1941 The warship was leading a raiding squadron off the coast of Tripoli and the uncharted minefield was so close to land and in such shallow water that the blast was entirely unexpected. There was only one survivor. The loss was one of the worst but least known of the World War Two. HMS Neptune is now the name of the land establishment at Clyde. The Captain of HMS Neptune, Captain Jack Tarr, said: “The loss of so many men was a terrible one and it is Team earns its reward for top vehicle service important that it is not forgotten. We A DE&S team has been commended for its insurgent threat, demanding extraordinary do remember our fallen in November performance in delivering the highest levels levels of commitment, dedication and but for HMS Neptune, 19 December is of service in bringing patrol and support flexibility resulting in massive increases a date that remains in our memories. vehicles into service. in operational capability and a direct “We must not lose sight of the fact The Protected Mobility team won its contribution to saving lives in Afghanistan. that only last month HMS Bangor, one Director Land Equipment commendation Ironically Maj-Gen Wilks was leader from Major General Carew Wilks for showing of the Specialist and Utility Vehicles team, of our Sandown class , the highest levels of acquisition best elements of which later formed Protected returned from 120 days of hard work practice. Mobility. off the coast of Libya dealing with The team identified, assessed, acquired, The team has also increased its charity modern day and historic ordnance. supplied and then supported a series of output too, with £190 rasied from taking part “We have sailors in our own waters protected mobility vehicles, exceeding in the Movember appeal and more than £200 and, in fact, around the world who are the Urgent Operational Requirements for from selling home-made cakes for the Royal still facing the challenges of mines patrol and tactical support vehicles now on British Legion operations in Afghanistan. This added to the £5,000 raised on a Help in open water. These are very brave According to the commendation the team for Heroes walk from Avebury to Stonehenge young men and women.” met its deadlines which were driven by the last summer. people news 35

Dentists Double dental celebration answer the call Charity night Devonport’s dentists roared into keeps up action when the call came from 8,000 miles away. department’s Currently deployed on Atlantic proud record Patrol Task (South), HMS Montrose has Members of Clyde’s Dental been visited by the Department held a charity night flying dentist from for the Meningitis Association HMS Drake Dental Centre at the naval Scotland and The Vale of Leven base. Hospital Cancer Fund. Surgeon Held in the base’s Senior Lieutenant Rates’ Mess, the night attracted Commander more than 200 guests and Alistair Lovell and doubled as a joint birthday Dental Nurse Jade party for dental hygienist Leslie Hutchison conducted clinics from the Mooney, 50, and her son, James, ship’s sickbay. 18. Above: tranche of cash is handed over, from left, Dental Nurse Jill Simpson, Lt Cdr Lovell But for Leslie and James Leading Dental Nurse Laura Cheetam, Leslie Mooney, Commander Stuart treated 97 of HMS the occasion was more than Stevenson, Eileen McKiernan from the Meningitis Association, Hugh Montrose’s crew. just a chance to celebrate their McKiernan, and dental nurse Sarah Mercer Aside from routine milestone birthdays. Thirteen check-ups and years ago Leslie’s youngest son, auctions and raffles where we from donations and independent hygiene treatment, he performed John, died from meningitis at age raised £4,500.” raffles, bringing the grand total emergency two, and for the past ten years she Last October the dental so far up to £9,913. extractions, root has been a cancer patient at the department got behind Leslie’s Leslie also works in two canal fillings and Vale of Leven Hospital Oncology charity drive, organising a cake other dental practices, both dealt with an infected Unit. bake outside the military site’s owned by Margaret Colvin. She wisdom tooth. “Both these organisations medical centre. and her staff have got behind After ten days have been a great support to me The event was a huge success the fundraising effort too and on board, 88 per cent of the crew and my family,” said Leslie. “I raising around £1,313 for the two have collected around £500 in were fully dentally fit wanted to give something back. charities. donations from patients and with the remainder “The fundraising part of the Since then the department has raised £200 raffling electric undergoing longer- evening consisted of a race night, been busy gathering more cash toothbrushes. term treatment. DINs - released this month Defence Instructions and Notices (DINs) are defence-wide instructions, guidance and notices for military and civilian staff, containing up-to-the-minute information to help people carry out their duties. Some of the latest issued on Defence Equipment and Support are:

2012DIN01-011: The In-Service Fast Stream competition 2012 is open to all permanent MOD staff below Band B with at least one year's service as of 20 February 2012. MOD employees who applied for the external fast stream competition last September are ineligible for the In-Service competition this year.

2012DIN04-016: The Defence Spectrum Organisation, part of DE&S, is now responsible for allocating radio frequencies for use by any UK military spectrum dependent equipment that can transmit or receive radio frequency energy, whether in the UK, on visits, trials or exercises abroad or on military deployments.

2012DIN04-002: This DIN is a guidance note to inform MOD personnel in operation, maintenance, management or audit of wheeled vehicles on the introduction of a revised series of inspection reports to replace the AF G932(B) Wheeled Vehicle Inspection Report.

2012DIN04-001: The Field Electrical Power Distribution System equipment management has passed from the Battlefield Utilities team to Powerfield Ltd, a Rolls-Royce Distribution and Generator Systems derivative, under the auspices of the Future Power project and will now be managed under a contractor logistic support arrangement

Further information and more details on the latest DINs see: http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/Library/CivilianAndJointService/AtoZ/DinsIndex2012.htm